Flat panel lighting device and driving circuitry

Abstract

The light fixture includes a frame configured to define a channel, and a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame. Power circuitry is disposed within the first channel, the power circuitry being configured to electrically couple the substantially flat LED panel to an external AC power supply. The power circuitry is sized to be positioned within the first channel and has a length and a width, the length-to-width ratio being at least 5 to 1, and optionally at least 10 to 1. The power circuitry is configured to convert an AC input into a DC output suitable for powering the substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel. The substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel includes an optically transmissive panel, and an array of LEDs disposed adjacent to an edge of the optically transmissive panel and disposed adjacent at least one edge of the frame.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A light fixture comprising:
 a frame having a thickness of no more than about 1.0 inches; 
 a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame, the substantially flat LED panel including an array of LEDs disposed adjacent at least one edge of the frame; and 
 power and control circuitry for driving the array of LEDs housed entirely within the frame at an edge of the frame, the power and control circuitry including an LED driver configured to convert an AC input from an external AC power supply into a DC output; wherein the power and control circuitry has a length and a width, wherein the length-to-width ratio is at least 5 to 1. 
 
     
     
       2. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the power and control circuitry is sized to be positioned entirely within a channel defined by the frame. 
     
     
       3. The light fixture of  claim 2 , wherein the frame defines a second channel configured to support the power and control circuitry. 
     
     
       4. The light fixture of  claim 3 , wherein the second channel has a width of no more than about 0.5 inches. 
     
     
       5. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the power and control circuitry includes a single circuit board. 
     
     
       6. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the power and control circuitry comprises an array of circuit modules. 
     
     
       7. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to control intensity of light emitted by the substantially flat LED panel, providing a dimming function. 
     
     
       8. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to selectively energize the array of LEDs to provide a light output of variable color temperature. 
     
     
       9. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel includes an optically transmissive panel, and the array of LEDs is disposed adjacent to an edge of the optically transmissive panel. 
     
     
       10. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the frame is configured to support electrical connectors between the power and control circuitry and the array of LEDs. 
     
     
       11. The light fixture of  claim 1 , wherein the length-to-width ratio of the power and control circuitry is at least 10 to 1. 
     
     
       12. A light fixture comprising:
 a frame configured to define a first channel, wherein the frame has a thickness of no more than about 1.0 inches; 
 a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame and including an array of LEDs supported by a wall of a second channel located at an edge of the frame, wherein the wall of the second channel is offset from the edge of the frame; and 
 power and control circuitry for driving the array of LEDs disposed within the first channel, the power and control circuitry including an LED driver configured to convert an AC input from an external AC power supply into a DC output; 
 wherein the power and control circuitry comprises long, narrow circuitry having a length-to-width ratio of at least 5 to 1 and sized to be positioned within the first channel, and includes a circuit board. 
 
     
     
       13. The light fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the circuit board comprises a single circuit board. 
     
     
       14. The light fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the circuit board comprises an array of circuit modules distributed within the first channel. 
     
     
       15. The light fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to control intensity of light emitted by the substantially flat LED panel, providing a dimming function. 
     
     
       16. The light fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to selectively energize the array of LEDs to provide a light output of variable color temperature. 
     
     
       17. The light fixture of  claim 12 , wherein the length-to-width ratio of the power and control circuitry is at least 10 to 1. 
     
     
       18. A light fixture comprising:
 a frame configured to define a first channel and a second channel on opposite first and second sides of the frame, and a third channel and a fourth channel on remaining third and fourth sides of the frame, wherein the frame is rectangular; 
 a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame, including a first array of LEDs disposed adjacent the first side of the frame and a second array of LEDs disposed adjacent the second side of the frame, wherein the first channel is configured to support the first array of LEDs and the second channel is configured to support the second array of LEDs; and 
 first and second power and control circuitry respectively disposed within the third channel and the fourth channel, wherein the first and second power and control circuitry respectively drive the first array of LEDs and the second array of LEDs; wherein each of the first and second power and control circuitry includes an LED driver configured to convert an AC input from an external AC power supply into a DC output; and wherein each of the first and second power and control circuitry has a length and a width, wherein the length-to-width ratio is at least 5 to 1. 
 
     
     
       19. The light fixture of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to control intensity of light emitted by the substantially flat LED panel, providing a dimming function. 
     
     
       20. The light fixture of  claim 18 , wherein each of the first and second power and control circuitry includes control circuitry configured to selectively energize the array of LEDs to provide a light output of variable color temperature.